"No one really realized how close it was to being torn down," Watland said of the pyramid. "What a difference it would have been, if it was replaced with bleachers. It would have changed the whole dynamic. It is such an unusual building, why would you tear that down?"

She raised $1.2 million for the project. The ribbon cutting ceremony is May 12 at the field at 2:30 p.m.

Watland said she could not find any similar structures anywhere in the U.S.

Her three sons all played sports there. But she soon found out she was not the only one with fond memories of the athletic complex.

The pyramid and athletic complex was built in the late 1960s and opened in 1969. But it had become dilapidated and worn out over time.

Watland learned more than she ever envisioned about construction, fundraising, politics and dealing with the city government.

Watland spent several hours a week working on the project. She estimated anywhere from 10 hours a week and sometimes as many as 40 hours a week, after working at her regular job, at Watland Billing Consultants.

Sabine Beach, who helped with the project, raved about Watland's commitment.

"I can't tell you the hours Cindy has spent to fund raise for this project," Beach said. "Not only did she do that, she had to learn about construction. She dealt with the politics of the City of Reno who manages it and the WCSD (Washoe County School District) who owns it.

"She is the most amazing person that has given up so much of her time, so a part of history could be preserved and that memories for future generations could be formed."

Watland said once she set the goal of saving the structure, she was determined to see it through to completion.

The reconstructed area and pyramid at the Swope Athletic Complex in southwest Reno.(Photo: Provided by Cindy Watland)

The city had determined it had become unsafe and was going to demolish the pyramid and put bleachers there.

Watland thought that was ridiculous, and set about trying to rebuild the pyramid.

"I wanted to see it through for the kids," Watland said. "I couldn't stop once I started."

She had never attempted any sort of fundraising effort before.

"I like being busy and doing things for the community," Watland said. "It was good for me, but I definitely need a break."

Watland said three local foundations donated funds as well as thousands of individuals. She said she received checks almost daily, for anywhere from $10 up to $1,000.

A night view of the reconstructed area and pyramid at the Swope Athletic Complex in southwest Reno.(Photo: Provided by CIndy Watland)

The effort included two fundraising parties and a raffle for a truck donated by the Dolan Auto Group. Pavers were sold, which also raised money.

Watland said numerous local companies donated time, including Savage & Son, which did all the plumbing work, and Western Nevada Supply which donated al the fixtures.

Q&D Construction was the general contractor and also donated time and material.

Watland said the reconstructed area turned out even better than she envisioned it.

"So many contractors gave us discounts, I couldn't even name them all," Watland said. "Every single person gave us a discount."

The reconstructed pyramid at the Swope Athletic Complex in southwest Reno.(Photo: Provided by Cindy Watland)

She said the city of Reno also donated some money to the project. Watland said the city officials told her it would cost about $375,000 to tear down the old structure. The city had deemed it unsafe and a safety hazard.

Watland had a new bronze plaque made thanking all the people and big donors. She said it is a replica of the original plaque on the site, when it was opened in 1969.

"I'm so happy it's done. This is not just me, so many people helped, Sabine Beach, Curtis Beach. There's a ton of people who helped with everything," Watland said.

She said it will seat about 1,600 people and can be used for soccer and football in addition to youth baseball.

"As small as Reno is, I knew people who played in every decade there," Watland said.

The bronze plaque that will be unveiled at the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12.(Photo: Provided by Cindy Watland)

The original plaque at the Swope Athletic Complex.(Photo: Provided by Curtis Beach)

The original plaque at the Swope sports center fields in 1969(Photo: Provided by Curtis Beach)